1993 cop shooter seeks release

A man who shot two Calaveras County Sheriff’s deputies and a police dog more than 20 years ago is awaiting a court decision on whether he will be set free or spend two more years in a maximum-security state mental hospital.

Kenfort Williams, now in his early 70s, was in Calaveras County Superior Court for a Wednesday trial. Wearing eye glasses and a bright red jumpsuit, Williams fell to the ground while being escorted by a bailiff to his seat.

Calaveras County District Attorney Barbara Yook said Williams has reached the maximum amount of time he’s able to be held at a state hospital.

“If we don’t win this, he will be released,” she said. “If we prevail, he will receive a two-year extension.”

In 1993, Williams pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the shooting of Gary Stevens, the deputy who pulled him over in the San Andreas area.